conditional victory

Joshua 6:1-5 (JDV)

Joshua 6:1 Jericho was strongly fortified because of the Israelites – no one leaving or entering.
Joshua 6:2 Yahveh said to Joshua, “Notice, I have handed Jericho, its king, and its ablest soldiers over to you.
Joshua 6:3 March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this for six days.
Joshua 6:4 Have seven priests carry seven ram’s-horn trumpets in front of the ark. But on the seventh day, march around the city seven times, while the priests blow the trumpets.
Joshua 6:5 When there is a prolonged blast of the horn and you hear its sound, have all the troops give a strong yell. Then the city wall will collapse, and the troops can advance, each man straight ahead.”

conditional victory

God knew not only that the wall of Jericho would collapse, he knew when it would happen, and under what circumstances it would happen. His omniscience is revealed in this passage, as well as his omnipotence.

Yet neither of these doctrinal truths serves as grounds for passivity for Joshua and the Israelites. In fact, their obedience to God’s directives are a condition required for the victory to happen.

God’s sovereignty is never an excuse for us to be disobedient or passive, presuming upon his favor.

LORD, make us warriors who follow your directions, so that victory is sure.